Public and private clinics offer a wide variety of health care services, often for free or at a low cost to the patient. If you or your family is looking to visit a health care clinic, club, or practice, check out the list below to learn key terms and information.

Beneficiary - The private person or group that will receive medical benefits through a health insurance program.

Benefit - The amount of money a person or group will receive from an insurance company to see a doctor or a dentist.

Deductible - The amount of money someone must pay toward medical services at clinics before the insurance company will begin to cover the cost.

Advance Directive - This lets doctors and medical centers know who will make medical decisions for you if you are not mentally able to make them for yourself.

Group Health Insurance - Coverage provided through an employer that covers all employees in the office.

Medicaid - A health insurance program for low-income people who need the freedom to access inexpensive mental or physical services.

Medicare - A government health program that provides coverage to Americans who are 65 or older.

Provider - A term used to describe health care professionals who offer coverage.

Maximum Dollar Limit - The maximum amount of money a health insurance provider is willing to pay for claims within a specific period of time. They are applied to a specific period of time or a person's lifetime.

A clinic has medical staff to treat a patient. A clinic can be for animal companions or humans. A vet clinic evaluates the health of your pet and provides emergency treatment. If you are in need of an annual physical exam, a doctor at the clinic may give you suggestions to improve your health. Some free clinics are government run and provide appointments with a family doctor. If you need a fertility test, then you can go to a special clinic. If you need to terminate a pregnancy, there are clinics that specialize in that procedure too. You may choose to get your mental health care at a private practice. However, a group practice may provide you with more info and options for drug rehabilitation. Other clinics may offer therapeutic massages inside a private health club. A clinic is a center where patients can receive mental and physical treatment for health ailments.